Shade Hat for Helmets

ABSTRACT

A shade hat for helmets that provides shade to a wearer&#39;s face, ears, head, neck and shoulders when worn under a variety of helmets, which can receive the straps thereof, enabling the wearer to secure a variety of helmets to the wearer&#39;s head in the manner which each helmet was originally intended by its manufacturer, while not hindering or otherwise reducing the impact protection or safety qualities of any one of the variety of helmets being worn therewith. The shade hat for helmets is constructed of breathable, moisture wicking, cooling, and UV protective fabrics and materials to keep the wearer&#39;s head cool, to wick moisture away from the wearer&#39;s head, to quickly dry the wearer&#39;s head and shade hat for helmets, and provide UV protection for the wearer&#39;s face, head, neck, and shoulders while wearing with a variety of different types of safety and sporting helmets or while wearing without a helmet.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/687,688 filed on Jun. 20, 2018, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT CONCERNING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains generally to apparel and more specifically to hats. More particularly, the invention relates to a hat providing sun protection to a wearer's head, face, and neck to be worn under a variety of helmets. Further, wearing of the invention underneath of the variety of helmets will not detrimentally affect the impact protective qualities thereof or interfere with the straps thereof. In addition, the invention can be worn by the wearer without a helmet in the same manner as a regular shade hat.

Description of the Prior Art

Sports hats for outdoor recreational activities have been known for decades and improvements of the art are frequently provided. Sports hats generally provide sun protection or shade the eyes of the wearer while participating in sporting activities. For example, the baseball cap is probably the most familiar of sports hats, providing shade for a player's eyes to block the glare from stadium lights or the sun, as well as keeping rain out of the player's eyes. Over the years the baseball cap has been adopted for other sporting activities, such as tennis, fishing, and golf. There are numerous examples of the baseball cap dating back to the first quarter of the 20th century.

Full brim hats that provide shade circumferentially around a wearer's head have been known in the art for hundreds of years and improvements of the art are frequently provided. Examples of such hats include cowboy hats, full brim floppy hats, full brim shade hats, boonie hats, wide brim sun hats, etc.

Helmets have also been around for a relatively long period of time with improvements of the art frequently provided. There are a variety of different types of helmets, including, but not limited to: safety helmets or hard hats, helmets for equestrian sports, football, baseball/softball, hockey, lacrosse, snow sports, rock climbing/mountaineering, skateboard, cycling, motorcycle/dirt bike, etc. Regardless of the purpose, helmets are designed to protect a wearer's head from impacts by preventing or reducing blunt force trauma. Some helmets have built in shade visors or partial shade brims to shade the wearer's eyes and upper face from the sun, such as baseball helmets, traditional equestrian helmets, bicycle helmets, motorcycle helmets, and hard hats. The shade visors or partial shade brims of these types of helmets are typically permanently fixed to or a part of the helmet. However, a limited number of shade visors or partial shade brims are vertically adjustable and/or removable, such as is the case for some bicycle and motorcycle helmets. Other types of helmets have circumferential or full shade brims that provide shade for the wearer's neck, ears, shoulders, and sides of the wearer's face. An example would be a hardhat safety helmet having a non-removable built in circumferential shade brim. However, other types of helmets, such as those for rock climbing, skiing/snowboarding, skateboarding, etc. for example, have no shade brim at all.

The current inventor has determined existing helmets are deficient in providing adequate sun protection to wearers. Most helmets have no brim or other feature providing shade to the wearer's face, neck and/or shoulders. Brim equipped helmets have brims that are typically fixed to the helmet and cannot be removed if desired by the wearer, providing shade to the wearer only when the helmet is being worn.

Some have attempted to solve these problems by simply wearing a baseball cap or another type of hat under helmets to provide shade to the wearer's face, neck, ears, and/or shoulders. While this method is extremely simple and solves the three problems above, it creates additional problems. First, helmets are designed to fit snugly or otherwise conform to the wearer's head. Accordingly, wearing a regular hat underneath a helmet can result in the helmet not fitting as designed by the helmet manufacturer and can diminish the impact resistance qualities of the helmet, resulting in avoidable injury. Additionally, a full brim of a hat interferes with the straps of helmets, requiring the brim to be folded down onto the sides of the wearer's face to be able to fasten the buckle of the helmet straps. Other problems include overheating of the head, inadequate sun protection, and impaired vision.

Others have provided shade helmet accessories which attach to a helmet and provide shade to the wearer's neck, face, and shoulders while the helmet is being worn. For example, one such example is provided by Bryan et al, entitled “BRIM FOR ATTACHING TO HEADGEAR”, U.S. Pat. No. 9,149,085 B2, and was awarded patent protection on Oct. 6, 2015. According to Bryan et al, their invention relates to a portable brim that can be securely attached to and operate with various helmets, such as bicycle, skateboarding, snow sport, mountain/rock climbing, equestrian, and paddle sport helmets as well as hard hats, to give the wearer shade and protection from the sun. The main disadvantage of this design is it cannot be worn without the helmet, therefore if the wearer takes a break and wants to remove his/her helmet, doing so will result in the wearer's head, face, ears, and shoulders no longer being protected from the sun.

Other examples include helmet covers available for sale on the internet and elsewhere resembling traditional hats which fit over specific brands or types of helmets. When installed, these covers provide shade to the helmet wearer's neck, face, and shoulders while disguising the helmet as a regular hat. An example is provided by Votel et al, entitled “BRIM WITH NECK SHADE”, U.S. Pat. No. D732,243, and was awarded patent protection on Jun. 16, 2015. According to Votel et al, their invention is an ornamental design for a brim with a neck shade that appears to slip over a safety hard hat to provide shade to the wearer's face, shoulders and neck.

While Bryan et al, Votel et al, and others have succeeded with respect to providing accessories that attach to helmets for shading the face, neck, and/or shoulders of the wearer, these accessories provide shade only when being used in combination with a helmet and therefore cannot be worn by themselves without the helmet.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the above, the present inventor conducted numerous trials using a variety of different materials to invent a Shade Hat for Helmets that provides shade to the wearer when worn under any one of a variety of helmets, but however, having multiple embodiments as a matter of preference. The Shade Hat for Helmets can be worn under any one of a variety of helmets including, but not limited to: rock climbing/mountaineering helmets; cycling helmets; skiing/snowboarding helmets; skateboarding helmets; hard hats; safety helmets; kayaking helmets; and the like;

Therefore, herein it is an object of the present invention to provide a Shade Hat for Helmets that provides shade to the wearer while being worn under any one of a variety of safety and sporting helmets. It is another object of the present invention to provide a Shade Hat for Helmets having a crown made of material having a minimal thickness or other qualities to eliminate potential detrimental effect on the impact protection or other safety qualities of a helmet that would could ordinarily result from wearing a regular hat under a helmet. Still further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a hat which can be worn under any one of a variety of helmets which can receive the straps thereof, enabling the wearer to secure any one of a variety of helmets to the wearer's head in the manner which each of the variety of helmets was originally intended by its manufacturer. Yet further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a hat which can be worn under a helmet or can be worn by itself without a helmet, providing shade to the wearer's face, neck, ears, and shoulders. Further still, it is an object of the present invention to provide a breathable hat to be worn under any one of a variety of helmets that wicks moisture away from the wearer's skin and dries quickly. Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a Shade Hat for Helmets having UV protection qualities. Further yet, it is an object of the present invention to provide a Shade Hat for Helmets which is comfortable and easy for the wearer to take on or off, whether being worn with or without a helmet. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a Shade Hat for Helmets which can be made from a variety of materials and have a variety of bill sizes, shapes and designs, and optional neck shade, depending on the type of helmet under which the Shade Hat is to be worn or the activity of a wearer. Moreover, it an object of the present invention to increase sun protection to the face, head, neck, ears, and shoulders of individuals wearing helmets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the invention, showing how a bicycle helmet would be worn over the invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom elevation view of the first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a second embodiment, showing the invention being worn underneath a cycling helmet; and

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the second embodiment of the invention, showing the invention being worn underneath a climbing helmet;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Initially with regards to FIG. 1, a first preferred invention embodiment 10 is shown. Embodiment 10 is designed to be worn under a variety of helmets, including but not limited to: safety helmets or hard hats, equestrian, football, baseball/softball, hockey, lacrosse, snow sports, rock climbing/mountaineering, skateboard, cycling, motorcycle/dirt bike helmets, etc. FIG. 1 shows a cycling helmet as one example of a variety of helmets the first preferred embodiment can be worn under. Seam 13 separates a crown 11 and a brim 12, with a brim band 19 sewn to the inner edge of brim 12. In this and other embodiments crown 11, brim 12, and brim band 19 are sewn together or otherwise attached or connected at or about seam 13 using millinery techniques known in the art.

Crown 11 is comprised of a layer of form fitting stretchable material or fabric creating a layer of fabric which conforms snugly around a wearer's head. The fabric used in the construction of crown 11 is made of a durable breathable nylon or polyester material or mesh, or similar material known in the art. In other embodiments, crown 11 is comprised of one or more layers of material and may employ the use of self-cooling materials or cooling fabric known in the art. In other embodiments, crown 11 is comprised of one or more panels of material and assembled using millinery techniques known in the art.

The material of crown 11 shall be durable to withstand harsh environments sometimes experienced during high performance sporting activities, yet, shall be thin enough and have a minimum coefficient of surface friction so as not to effect, alter or otherwise diminish safety and protective qualities provided by any one of the variety of helmets the invention is intended to be worn under. Specifically, the material of crown 11 shall be thin enough so any one of the variety of helmets worn with the invention will conform to the wearer's head similarly as if being worn alone without the invention. The materials employed in the construction of crown 11 of the first preferred embodiment and additional embodiments shall have an ultraviolet sun protection rating to protect a wearer's face, ears, neck, shoulders, and scalp from harmful ultraviolet rays when worn without a helmet. The fabric of crown 11 also has cooling, wicking and breathability properties to wick sweat and moisture away from the wearer's head and enables crown 11 to dry quickly.

Herein, brim 12 is comprised of three layers containing an internal flexible stiffening foam material, or similar material known in the art, surrounded by a skin of durable breathable fabric material, such as nylon or polyester, or similar material known in the art. The stiffening foam material and fabric material of brim 12 will have wicking and breathability properties to wick sweat and moisture away from the wearer's head and enable brim 12 to dry quickly. Together, the stiffening foam and fabric materials of brim 12 have a minimal stiffness and are rigid enough to maintain the shape and position of brim 12 relative to the wearer's head while climbing or during other outdoor sporting activities. However, brim 12 is flexible enough to be flipped up out of a wearer's field of vision, enabling greater visibility while belaying during climbing or during other outdoor sporting activities if so desired by a wearer. In other embodiments, brim 12 may be comprised of one or more layers and be constructed of other materials known in the art, such as rigid or flexible mesh, canvas, neoprene, foam, plastic or other similar materials. Brim 12 is further comprised of a front edge 15 and a back edge 16.

Like crown 11, brim band 19 is comprised of a layer of form fitting stretchable material or fabric creating a strip of fabric which conforms snugly around a wearer's head along the inner edge of brim 12. The fabric used in the construction of brim band 19 is made of a durable breathable nylon or polyester material or mesh having wicking qualities, or similar material known in the art. In other embodiments, brim band 19 is comprised of one or more layers of material and may employ the use of self-cooling materials or cooling fabric known in the art.

A strap opening 18 is located on crown 11 above and parallel to seam 13 on the left-hand side of the first preferred embodiment and approximately at or slightly above the upper edge of brim band 19 to receive a left strap of any one of the variety of helmets. A strap opening 17 is located (see FIG. 2) opposite strap opening 18 to receive a right strap of any one of the variety of helmets. Together the left strap and right strap of any one of the variety of helmets comprise the straps of any one of the variety of helmets. Strap openings 17 and 18 are located above and centered approximately about respective ears of the wearer and extend in each direction towards respective edges 15 and 16 to provide an adequate opening to receive front and back strap portions of respective left and right straps of any one of the variety of helmets. Strap openings 17 and 18 may be located differently in other embodiments to accommodate and receive differing locations and designs of the respective left and right straps of any one of the variety of helmets.

Initially with regards to FIG. 2, a bottom elevation view of the first preferred invention embodiment 10 is shown. A midline 14 is located equal distance from front edge 15 and front edge 16. Crown 11 is offset from midline 14 and is located closer to front edge 15 than back edge 16 making brim 12 radially wider perpendicular to back edge 16 providing additional shade to the wearer's neck. The offset distance of crown 11 from midline 14 may vary in other embodiments, with crown 11 being centered about midline 14 in some embodiments, and crown 11 being offset from midline 14 closer to back edge 16 in additional embodiments.

Further with regards to FIG. 2, strap openings 17 and 18 are reinforced with a durable material, such as Kevlar or similar material known in the art, that is sewn along strap openings 17 and 18 using sewing methods known in the art to prevent fraying and to make strap openings 17 and 18 durable to withstand wear from the straps of any one of the variety of helmets rubbing against strap openings 17 and 18. In other embodiments, strap openings 17 and 18 may employ other reinforcement methods known in the art to prevent or otherwise slow fraying and wear and tear and increase durability.

The materials employed in the construction of the first preferred embodiment and additional embodiments shall have wicking and breathability properties to wick sweat and moisture away from and cool the wearer's head and scalp. All embodiments herein are created with optimum directional sewing and curvature of seams that are ideal for comfort, strength, aesthetics, and function.

With reference to FIG. 3, a similar construction of the invention, embodiment 20, with crown 21 and brim 22 separated by seam 23 is provided. There is also a brim band (not shown), which along its bottom edge is similarly to the first embodiment, sewn to the inner edge of brim 22 and the bottom edge of crown 21. As before, this embodiment is also designed to be worn under any one of a variety of helmets. FIG. 3 shows a wearer utilizing a cycling helmet as an example of one of the variety of helmets under which this embodiment can be worn. However, in this embodiment, materials used for crown 21 and brim 22 vary from those used in the first preferred embodiment. Here, brim 22 is comprised of at least three layers containing an internal flexible stiffening foam material, or similar material known in the art, surrounded by a skin of durable woven fabric, such as tweed, or similar material known in the art. Brim 22 is circumferentially the same width from its edge to seam 23, providing maximum shade to the wearer of this version of the invention. FIG. 3 provides a strap opening 28 located approximately above the wearer's left ear. Strap opening 28 receives a left strap of the cycling helmet. An opposite strap opening (not shown) to strap opening 28 receives a right strap of the cycling helmet

Also, in this particular version, the material of crown 21 shall be durable to withstand the harsh environments sometimes experienced during high performance sporting activities, yet, thin enough so as not to effect, alter or otherwise diminish safety and protective qualities provided by the cycling helmet, or any one of the variety of helmets the invention is intended to be worn under.

With regards to FIG. 4, the same embodiment of FIG. 3 is shown being worn by a wearer, who is utilizing a rock-climbing helmet as an example one of a variety of helmets under which the invention can be worn. This embodiment and additional embodiments may vary with respect to the style of hat as known in the art; construction materials and fabrics; location of strap openings relative to ears of the wearer; color of materials and fabric; radial width, size, shape and location of the brim; shade coverage provided; and the addition of supplemental shade devices known in the art, such as a neck flap that provides the back of the wearer's neck with complete sun protection.

While the particular Shade Hat for Helmets as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims. cm What is claimed: 

1. A shade hat for helmets, intended to be worn by a wearer underneath a variety of helmets without interfering with straps thereof, comprising: a crown covering substantially a top portion of a wearer's head; a brim shading the wearer's face, neck, ears, shoulders, and the top portion of the head from harmful ultraviolet rays; a brim band; and a seam; wherein the crown, brim, and brim band are sewn together at the inner edge of the brim and the bottom edges of the crown and brim band; wherein the crown comprises at least two helmet strap openings which are located above and extending parallel to the seam, centered approximately above each of the wearer's ears; wherein each of the helmet strap openings receives a respective strap of any one of the variety of helmets worn by the wearer; wherein the helmet strap openings enable the wearer to secure any one of the variety of helmets to the wearer's head in the manner the manufacture of each of the variety of helmets intended; and wherein the crown is comprised of at least one layer of form fitting stretchable material that conforms to the wearer's head having a pre-determined minimal thickness which when covering the wearer's head and located under any one of a variety of helmets will not interfere, hinder, compromise, diminish, detrimentally affect, or otherwise reduce the safety and protective qualities thereof.
 2. The shade hat for helmets of claim 1, wherein the crown and brim is comprised of fabric have wicking, breathability, and cooling properties to wick sweat and moisture away from the wearer's head and to enable the crown and brim band to dry quickly.
 3. The shade hat for helmets of claim 1, wherein the fabric of the crown has ultraviolet light protective qualities to shield the wearer's head from harmful ultraviolet light regardless of whether the shade hat for helmets of claim 1, is being worn by the wearer under any one of the variety of helmets or is being worn without a helmet.
 4. The shade hat for helmets of claim 1, wherein the brim is sized and shaped to maximize sun shading to the wearer's head, ears, face, neck and shoulders, depending on the type of helmet under which the shade hat for helmets is to be worn or the activity of the wearer.
 5. A shade hat for helmets, comprising: a crown; a brim; a brim band; and two helmet strap openings; wherein the crown, brim, and brim band are sewn together at the inner edge of the brim and the bottom edges of the crown and brim band; wherein each helmet strap opening is located on the crown above and extending parallel to the seam, centered approximately above each of a wearer's ears; and wherein each helmet strap opening receives a respective strap of any one of a variety of helmets worn by the wearer.
 6. The shade hat for helmets of claim 5, wherein the crown and brim provide shade and ultra-violet light protection to the wearer's head, face, neck, ears, and shoulders while worn simultaneous and under a variety of helmets.
 7. The shade hat for helmets of claim 5, the crown and brim band further comprising a fabric having an ultra-violet light rating providing the wearer with ultra-violet light protection of substantially a top portion of the wearer's head.
 8. The shade hat for helmets of claim 5, wherein when worn by the wearer without a helmet, the crown and brim provide shade for and protect the wearer's head, ears, face, neck, and shoulders from the harmful effects of the sun.
 9. The shade hat for helmets of claim 5, wherein the helmet strap openings enable the wearer to secure any one of the variety of helmets to the wearer's head over the shade hat for helmets in the manner the manufacture of each of the variety of helmets intended.
 10. The shade hat for helmets of claim 5, wherein the crown is comprised of at least one layer of form fitting stretchable material that conforms to the wearer's head having a pre-determined minimal thickness which when covering the wearer's head and located under any one of a variety of helmets will not interfere, hinder, compromise, diminish, detrimentally affect, or otherwise reduce the safety and protective qualities thereof.
 11. The shade hat for helmets of claim 5, wherein the fabric of the crown and brim band have wicking, breathability, and cooling properties to wick sweat and moisture away from the wearer's head and to enable the crown and brim band to dry quickly.
 12. The shade hat for helmets of claim 5, wherein the brim is sized and shaped to maximize sun shading to the wearer's head, ears, face, neck and shoulders, depending on the type of helmet under which the shade hat for helmets is to be worn or the activity of the wearer. 